demonchris

It’s easy for media to say whatever they like about teams. But if an honest breakdown of the ‘why’ occurred and not the ‘result’, it would be evident to most the ‘why’s’ are not because of our coach, our game plan etc. this is my opinion, I like to be optimistic rather than doom and gloom. Our first chose team has not been on the park all year, yes injuries happen, but the extent of ours is the worst in the league. Our playing squad is reflective of our ladder position. Much like our playing squad was reflective of a preliminary final last season.

This is another case of unrealistic expectations. I’m not meaning to sound rude here, but a bit of belief and encouragement from the supporter base goes a long way. There were positives today definitely. For those that think this was another step backwards I fear you drink a bit to much from the pessimistic glass. If it wasn’t for Hipwood taking the game by the neck, it definitely could of been a different result. But he is becoming a star, in a very good Brisbane team, that we played in Brisbane.

This is a bit of an over reaction. The competition is very even this year and we were always on the back foot. Gutting the list shows no faith in any of the players. Brayshaw finished top 5 in the Brownlow last year. Sure, he’s underperformed this year, but you look to trade stars in and not trade them out. This list, once healthy, can win a premiership. There’s at least 8 lists in the league that could win the premiership. I feel we are trying to reinvent the wheel in this forum sometimes, or in NFL terms trying for a Hail Mary when sometimes the best thing to do is take a knee. Next year will be different. This year has been a write off since the pre-season surgeries.

I think this is very disrespectful to Williamstown, and other stand alone teams for that matter.

I find it strange that Essendon kicked up a stink (Okay, maybe they just asked the question) about getting Tipungwuiti as a priority selection before other clubs, due to him hailing from their zone, and were denied. Yet, when their second pick rolled around and he was still on the board, they passed.

I would say it was fairly even and that they shared the chocolates. Preuss ended with 46 hit outs, this was slightly inflated as Meese went off early in the 4th with a suspected groin injury.

I was at the game yesterday and had a great look as I work for Williamstown. It has been mentioned on here before, someone quoting Rawlings that Williamstown will always be at you. This is spot on. They are extremely well coached by Andy Collins. In regards to Preuss, he was up against Nick Meese who is the best state league ruckman going around. He is a multiple time VFL team of the year player, a Gerry-Callahan medalist (The Best and fairest at Williamstown), premiership ruckman, life member etc. Preuss' game was very good with all this in consideration. Lewis played very well. He was matched up with Adam Marcon, Williamstown's captain, who is an exceptional player. Lewis did have a few turnovers, but the wind at the ground meant no player was nailing all their kicks. I did catch Lewis helping instruct and teach some of the young boys and really being supportive which i highly rate. Weideman was exceptional in my opinion. He was matched up against Olly Tate, who is undersized, yes, but is a very, very smart footballer. The Williamstown boys supported Tate well ensuring he was never left alone. Weids took an absolute hangar in the first quarter, this was even more impressive as it was after a repeat lead, and he didn't whinge after his first lead (which should have been rewarded) wasn't rewarded. Hannan is a a lot bigger than i expected, i had never seen him up that close. He worked his way into the game quite well. Missed a few kicks but will be better for the run. Lever was excellent in the time he was on the ground. He was a class above, i am bias, but you could ask anyone at the game yesterday and they would not disagree with me.

I know how the 80 point loss looks. The scoreboard is the main stat. i get that. But in reviewing the game that scoreboard is not a reflection of the game by any means. its round 2 and we are 0-2. But when 12 first choice players go in for off season surgery, then you have other players sidelined right on the cusp of round 1, you never really are a chance to jump out of the blocks. We played Port who although are not world beaters, look a bloody good team. Then we play Geelong who will contend this year. the game style we played I'm confident in. Of course tweaks will be made. But, you slide Lever into CHB, Vandenberg to the half forward flank, Hannan into the forward pocket, Joel Smith in as our utility, and Lewis onto a half back flank and suddenly the experience, especially in that back half where we generate our attack from, looks very good. We can't discount what losing the experience, footy knowledge and leadership of lewis and Lever has done to the backline. I compare it to Brisbane playing without Luke Hodge. There is no way they would be nearly as good. On top of returning players, you get Nathan Jones, Michael Hibberd, Neville Jetta, Kade Kolodjashnij, Steven May, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney, and Jake Melksham hitting peak fitness. Suddenly not only do we continue to, if not improve on our contested game, inside 50 game etc, but the missing link in having people that can kick the ball, know how, where and when to run, plus added forward threats. We started on the back foot with a delayed 3 week start to preseason as it was. It won't be long until this team hits its straps. I guess what I am trying to say is that, in my head anyway, I didn't really expect wins in the first few rounds. I was hopeful of some, but definitely not expecting them. I think anyone that did expect us to pick up from where we left off (In the semi-final) was not being realistic. The AFL competition this season has great teams littered throughout. Geelong are a great defensive team, they made it harder for our underdone and less experienced attack to be effective and we couldn't cope and didn't get our score on the board, so we ended up with a lop sided scoreboard. Scoreboard aside, the stats (Our DNA) was there. inject the previously mentioned players and get match fitness into the other previously mentioned and that line breaking, quick ball movement, and all our other missing traits suddenly pop back up. Then suddenly its the back end of the season, the team is rolling and we look the most dangerous side in the comp. Hitting the straps when it counts.

A funny look back on our year, from Bigfooty. They issue some awards such as best ruckman, best backman and best player for the year etc... Quite comical. Very light hearted look for anyone who is interested! The link! http://mfcdemonblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/2013-demonblog-end-of-year-spectacular.html

Honestly, You could argue either way. Both will be amazing forwards. Daniher can go into the ruck and have an impact, while Hogan can go Back. Both have breath taking abilities that will entertain us for years to come!